Actor Gulshan Devaiah backs global push of Ranbir Kapoor's upcoming movie

Actor Gulshan Devaiah believes audiences should support ambitious Indian films aiming for worldwide reach, drawing comparisons to SS Rajamouli's international success. In a recent interview, the actor discussed the upcoming two-part cinematic adaptation of the epic directed by Nitesh Tiwari, which features Ranbir Kapoor playing Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash taking on the role of Ravana. The first part of this major project has been planned for a Diwali 2026 release.

Challenges

Addressing the hurdles of bringing mythological and fantastical figures to the screen, Gulshan noted that viewers generally approach such stories with a make-believe mindset. He explained that a convincing performance depends on strong filmmaking, solid acting, and the overall quality of the production. However, he acknowledged that certain characters carry heavy emotional baggage and audience expectations. For instance, playing figures like Shivaji Maharaj or Lord Rama involves navigating deep reverence and nostalgia linked to older portrayals, such as Arun Govil's iconic work in Ramanand Sagar's television series.

Global Ambitions

Gulshan defended the wide-reaching goals of the upcoming adaptation, arguing that aiming for international audiences alongside the domestic and global Indian diaspora is a positive step for the industry. Comparing it to the way Hollywood operates globally, he urged people to get behind such massive projects even if individual tastes vary, pointing to the United States success of SS Rajamouli's RRR as a breakthrough that opens doors for other domestic productions.

Context

Large-scale mythological adaptations often attract intense scrutiny in India due to the deep cultural and religious significance of their subject matter. As Indian cinema increasingly targets international box offices following recent global crossover hits, prominent actors frequently weigh in on the commercial and creative strategies required to appeal across diverse cultural markets.